What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disorder that primarily affects the brain’s dopamine-producing cells. It leads to a decrease in dopamine levels, which is crucial for smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Tremors,
- stiffness,
- slowness of movement,
- impaired balance.
- Non-motor symptoms may also arise, such as;
- Cognitive changes,
- mood disorders,
- sleep disturbances,
- autonomic dysfunction.
Treatment
Treatment approaches may include medication to increase dopamine levels, physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce stiffness, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Medical Cannabis & Parkinson’s Disease
Medical cannabis is being explored as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, with several studies indicating its potential benefits. Research has shown that patients have experienced relief from certain motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease through the use of cannabis[1]. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis may help with symptoms in a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s[2].
Additionally, a study showed that oral CBD reduced psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s patients[3]. Some patients have also reported improvements in medical problems such as chronic pain while using medical marijuana[4]. While more research is necessary to confirm these benefits and understand the safety profile, these findings suggest that medical cannabis could potentially offer some therapeutic benefits for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
